Chapter 24 The Ancient Scholar Used as Cannon Fodder (Part 24) Lin You's...

Lin You's emotions came and went quickly; she soon came to her senses and immediately directed Chu Nanfeng to go shopping.

[Ding! Emperor's favorability +1, 10 points gained.]

The system notification sounded again.

"Does it really take Xie Zi'an that long to meet the Emperor? He can't possibly talk about you to the Emperor for half a day, can he?!" Lin You exclaimed in surprise. It's been a whole morning since the cheat system was activated.

Chu Nanfeng shook his head, equally bewildered. He didn't know either. Xie Zian was, after all, the heir of a marquis's family; he couldn't just spout nonsense when meeting the emperor.

In the palace, after listening to Xie Zian's eloquent report all morning, the emperor couldn't help but rub his temples. This kid really talked a lot today.

Every three sentences mention Chu Nanfeng's intelligence and wit, and every five sentences praise his superb painting skills. If you didn't know better, you might think that the person accompanying him on his mission was not Xu Wuchen, but this Chu Nanfeng.

Seeing that he seemed about to continue speaking, the emperor reluctantly interrupted him:

"Zi'an, since your brother Chu's calligraphy is so exquisite, why didn't you bring a few pieces so that I could also appreciate them?"

Xie Zian, who was about to launch into a long speech, immediately shut up. He blinked and gave the emperor a fawning smile:

“Your Majesty, Brother Chu is busy preparing for the imperial examinations and hasn’t painted in a long time. I don’t have many of his works.”

The emperor, however, seemed intrigued: "Don't be so stingy. How about I trade you Guanshan Jushi's painting of a fine horse?"

Xie Zian waved his hands repeatedly, "That is His Majesty's beloved possession. A gentleman does not take what others cherish. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now!"

Only after the boy had nimbly run away did the emperor secretly breathe a sigh of relief, but then he ordered someone to "investigate this Chu Nanfeng."

Lord Xie was the emperor's childhood friend, and Zi'an was someone he watched grow up. This child is too naive; he mustn't be fooled.

The people below were all perceptive. Ever since Xie Zi'an mentioned Chu Nanfeng, some of them had already started gathering information about him, just in case.

Within fifteen minutes, Chu Nanfeng's information was presented to the emperor, with the story of how he met Xie Zian at the top.

The emperor only glanced at it twice before he couldn't help but chuckle. He never expected that the usually serious Guard Xu could be so mischievous.

This information is very detailed, including not only various information about Chu Nanfeng, but also his advice to the Qian family to stop in time, and his mutual scheming with Han Qige.

After reviewing Chu Nanfeng's information, the emperor was finally relieved. Although the young man was shrewd, he was not a treacherous person.

Xie Zian was simple-minded, but he had a magical intuition that most of the people he was willing to befriend were of good character.

But as an elder, I should always keep an eye on him to prevent that silly child from being fooled.

"This Chu Nanfeng is young, but he is prudent in his work, shrewd and resourceful, and sincere in his dealings with others. If he can make it onto the list, he will surely become a pillar of society in the future. Zian's ability to judge people is still as impressive as ever."

The emperor sighed and continued with his official duties, though he did have a vague impression of the name Chu Nanfeng.

[Ding! Emperor's favorability +1, 10 points gained.]

"...Sister, you should make a note of it in the trial report first. Impressions formed through other people's descriptions can also add a little bit of goodwill."

Chu Nanfeng couldn't understand what his future best friend had said to the Emperor that made the Emperor increase his favorability three times.

Xie Zian, having left the palace, didn't even have time to go home and say goodbye to his father. Instead, he happily went to a restaurant, packed up a bunch of delicious food, and ran off to find his brother Chu to play.

As for sending invitations in advance, he and Brother Chu hit it off immediately and are close friends, so there's no need to be so formal.

The gatekeeper of the Qian family, seeing his wealthy and noble attire, naturally didn't dare to refuse him entry. However, upon hearing that he had come to see Chu Nanfeng, he bent down and stopped him.

"Young master, Prime Minister Chu is not here. He went out after breakfast and hasn't returned yet." The gatekeeper said with a smile, while instructing the young clerk next to him to hurry up and find Qian Youcai.

"Why don't you wait in the hall for a moment? I'll come and report to you as soon as he returns," the gatekeeper cautiously suggested, seeing the young master's happy expression instantly crumble.

"No need, I'll wait for Brother Chu here." Xie Zi'an waved for the others to leave, then found a stone bench in the courtyard and sat down, casually placing the food box on the table.

When Qian Youcai arrived, he was idly playing with the tassels on the jade pendant, having almost plucked all the fine ice silk from them.

"This humble commoner, Qian Youcai, greets Prince Xie." Qian Youcai never expected that the person who came would be the heir of the Marquis's mansion. He hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed.

Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Chu quietly established a relationship with him. Rumors circulated that this young master had a rather eccentric personality, and it was hard to say whether this was a blessing or a curse.

"Get up, Qian Youcai, huh? I heard you came from Luocheng? It's been two months on the road. Have you encountered anything interesting? Tell me about it to amuse me." Xie Zian casually ordered, crossing his legs.

Qian Youcai stood respectfully to the side telling stories. He was quite eloquent and recounted the events he had encountered along the way in a vivid and interesting way, full of witty remarks. However, Xie Zian listened absentmindedly.

After listening to him ramble on for a quarter of an hour, Young Master Xie finally couldn't take it anymore and slammed his fist on the table, angrily saying:

"Are you doing this on purpose? You've said so much, but you haven't even mentioned Brother Chu's name once! What, wasn't Brother Chu traveling to the capital with you?"

Qian Youcai secretly wiped away a cold sweat, bent his waist even lower, and said with a forced smile, "Thank you, Your Highness. Prime Minister Chu is just a candidate taking the imperial examination. He just reads books and practices calligraphy every day. What interesting things could he possibly have to do?"

Xie Zian stared at him for a long time, then suddenly asked, "I heard that Brother Chu drew quite a few designs for you. May I have a look at them?"

Qian Youcai's face turned pale under his gaze, and he hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, the blueprints drawn by Prime Minister Chu have already been sent to his family's workshop on the way. I will send word to them and have someone send them over immediately."

"What do you need to send over immediately?" A familiar voice suddenly broke the tense atmosphere between the two.

Chu Nanfeng emerged from around the corner, his hands laden with small items that Lin You had chosen for Chu Qing.

Qian Youjian breathed a long sigh of relief upon seeing Chu Nanfeng return, and hurriedly took the things from his hands. "Master Chu, I'll take these things back to you. Please take your time chatting!"

He bowed to Xie Zian again before hurrying away, as if a raging flood was behind him.

Xie Zi'an froze on the spot. He had only teased this man because he saw how protective he was of Chu Nanfeng. He wasn't really bullying him!

"I am Chu Nanfeng, and I greet Young Master Xie." Chu Nanfeng cupped his hands and bowed to Xie Zian with a respectful expression.

Young Master Xie was on the verge of tears. Brother Chu must be angry; he wasn't even calling him Brother Xie anymore.

But how was he supposed to explain this?! It didn't happen in front of him, so he couldn't very well say that Brother Chu was eavesdropping!

"Greetings, Brother Chu." Xie Zian returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his voice sounding pitiful.

"I wonder what business you have with me, Young Master Xie?" Chu Nanfeng asked, his words polite yet distant.

Young Master Xie looked at him expectantly, "I came to have a drink with Brother Chu, and I even brought some snacks."

Unfortunately, he had waited so long, and now that it was freezing cold, the roast duck was probably cold by now. Xie Zian felt a pang of sadness, as if his own heart had turned cold as well.

Lin You tried to hold back her laughter, but couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Let's stop here. He's your best friend, after all. If we keep teasing him, Xie Zi'an might burst into tears right here."

"I am new here and staying here for the night, so my supplies are not very complete, and I have no wine or beverages." Chu Nanfeng's voice remained polite, but his eyes were full of smiles.

Unfortunately, Xie Zian had his head down and didn't see it at all. He just felt a chill in his heart and was already prepared to be kicked out.

But then Chu Nanfeng continued, "My tea-brewing skills are decent, and I have a few ounces of good tea leaves. I wonder if Brother Xie would like to come to my place for a cup of tea and a seat?"

"Oh... Ah?!" Xie Zian was stunned for a while before he reacted. He suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide open, and said incredulously, "Brother Chu, you... you're teasing me on purpose!"

"Did I?" Chu Nanfeng picked up the food box he had placed on the table and walked towards his residence.

Xie Zian hurriedly followed, explaining, "Brother Chu, I really didn't mean to bully you just now, I just..."

"You just think he's funny and want to tease him, I know," Chu Nanfeng joked.

Upon hearing this, Young Master Xie was so frustrated he almost scratched the wall. So, Brother Chu just thought I was funny and was deliberately teasing me?!

"Have you had lunch?" Chu Nanfeng asked as he carried the food box to the small kitchen.

The gatekeeper said he had been here for an hour. According to the system's last message, this guy must have come straight here after leaving the palace.

"We haven't eaten yet, it's a pity the food is all cold. I even bought a roast duck." Xie Zian followed into the small kitchen, looking around curiously.

Chu Nanfeng opened the food box and took a look. Xie Zian was an honest boy. In addition to roast duck, he brought a total of seven or eight dishes, half meat and half vegetables, and the presentation was very particular.

"I haven't eaten either, so let me heat up these dishes. Brother Xie, would you like to have some?" Chu Nanfeng picked out four dishes, all of which were without broth.

Upon hearing Chu Nanfeng's offer to cook personally, Young Master Xie immediately abandoned the idea of ​​going to a restaurant and nodded, saying, "Okay, okay. I'm not picky about food, anything is fine with me."

Fortunately, Xu Wuchen was in charge of wrapping up the work today and didn't come with him, otherwise, after hearing this, he would probably have rolled his eyes to the sky.

Lin You couldn't help but complain to Chu Nanfeng, "With that look of someone ready to die, anyone who didn't know better would think you were going to poison him. And he still says he's not picky about food?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Nanfeng looked up at Xie Zi'an and almost burst out laughing. "Brother Xie, don't worry. Although I'm not very good at cooking, I can still heat up some dishes without any problem. There's no need to be so nervous."

He found a charcoal stove, took a round iron plate, and then picked up an oil bottle and seasonings, placing them all on the table in the yard.

Xie Zian was very perceptive and helped carry over the dishes that Chu Nanfeng had chosen, along with two sets of bowls and chopsticks.

Chu Nanfeng skillfully lit the stove, placed the iron sheet on it, and then brushed a thin layer of oil onto it.

The roast duck was sliced ​​and plated. The chef at the restaurant had excellent knife skills; each piece of duck meat was about the same size and still had crispy skin attached.

Chu Nanfeng took chopsticks and laid the roast ducks one by one on the iron plate. With a sizzle, the aroma of oil mixed with duck meat immediately spread out.

After one side of the duck meat was roasted until golden brown, Chu Nanfeng flipped it over and sprinkled it with five-spice powder. The aroma was even more enticing, and Xie Zian, who was already hungry, couldn't help but swallow.

"Brother Xie, it's ready to eat. Let's grill as we eat." Hearing Chu Nanfeng's words, Xie Zian's eyes lit up. He immediately picked up a piece of meat, blew on it gently, and put it in his mouth.

The roast duck was already marinated, and now it was roasted to a perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, leaving a lingering fragrance in your mouth. Xie Zian couldn't help but pick up another piece and stuff it into his mouth.

As Chu Nanfeng laid the dried tofu on the iron plate, he poured Xie Zian a cup of tea. The tea was a gift from Boss Qian, and with Chu Nanfeng's skillful preparation, Xie Zian felt it was even more fragrant and mellow than the tea he usually drank.

The two ate and chatted, discussing everything from food and tea to poetry and calligraphy, and quickly finished all four dishes.

After eating and drinking his fill, Young Master Xie chatted for a while before reluctantly returning home. Before leaving, he also took two new paintings by Chu Nanfeng with him.

Holding the painting, Xie Zi'an was in a great mood, his lips curving into a smile. Brother Chu had addressed him as "Zi'an" today, so they must be very good friends.

He skipped and hopped home, then stared at the painting for a long time before suddenly realizing that he had forgotten to ask Chu Nanfeng about moving!

The day after tomorrow is his housewarming party, and he hasn't received an invitation yet. I hope Brother Chu won't have forgotten him!

Looking at the darkening sky, Xie Zian was torn between going to ask Brother Chu about the situation now or going tomorrow at dawn.

Chu Nanfeng didn't know many people in the capital. Apart from the Qian family, there were only Xie Zian and Xu Wuchen, so naturally, he would send them invitations.

This morning, he placed the invitation in the basket outside the Xie family's door. Whether Xie Zian can get it among hundreds of invitations depends on his luck.

Even without an invitation, he would still come. Today, his favorability rating has already reached 65.